The Ponte Pant + OOTD

I love leggings. I also love leggings as pants. And I am not sorry about it.

However, like a lot of other women out there, I don’t have skinny legs.  So, when I wear leggings, I tend to eventually wear through the inseam—ruining the pants. Even my seamstress skills never quite bring the leggings back to where they were.

This is the reason I love ponte pants. While the pants seem to fit just like leggings, they are much thicker. This means you a) won’t be able to see through them b) everything is held in nice and tight and c) you stay extra warm in the winter.

I tried on the Marisa Ponte at Loft a few weeks ago. And as much as I loved the ankle zipper and the material, I couldn't quite get myself to pay $65 for something I was looking to replace my $5 leggings.  I’ll be honest, I still live on a “college” budget even when making “big girl” money.

Then, earlier this week, I was doing some browsing online and found the perfect alternative at WalMart! Say whhhaaat!? Miss Tina is a line created by Tina Knowles sold exclusively at Wal Mart. So, I decided to stop by my local store on the way home from work and couldn't believe how well this pair compared to the one’s at loft! The Miss Tina pants also had some piping down the center of the pant, just like the Loft pair.

There were, however, tow differences in the style of the pants. The first was the ankle zip featured in the Loft pant. To me, this was no big deal. The second difference is a matter of preference. The Miss Tina pants featured a styled, elastic waist band whereas the Loft pants had a zip fly with a clasp closure.

As I said previously, I was looking to these pants to replace leggings in my wardrobe, so I personally preferred the elastic waist band!

I didn't get too great of a shot of the pants in yesterday’s OOTD (it was a hurried shot on my way to the gym) but, I have to say, they were amazingly comfortable to wear all day and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a more appropriate pair of leggings to wear as pants. In fact, I plan to buy another pair to put away for future use just in case I am unable to find another pair in the future!

Have you tried ponte pants this season?

Today’s Pickins: 

1. In love with The College Prepster's new wallpaper! Check it out! 

2. This Pistol Key Cover would make me feel like and old time Westerner! 

3. iphone tricks with the new iOS! Trying these today. 

Fall Fashion Favorites

Although our weather is still warm, I love transitioning into fall fashion! Here are some of the pieces that are currently making statements in my everyday wear!

1.       Leopard loafers seem to be the hottest thing to touch your feet this fall. A perfectly fun way to add pattern and flair to any outfit.

2.       Polka Dots have never been my thing, but I recently bought a top similar to this tie neck blouse that had a polka dot effect make with tiny little hearts!  In fact, I was wearing it in yesterday’s OOTD post!

3.       Colored skinnies have been in for a while now, but I have really been drawn to this wine colored pair. The deep red looks great with so many tops and isn’t too overpowering of a color.

4.       Chambray is new jean—oh wait. Just like jeans, I feel as though my chambray top goes with just about anything! From shorts, to leggings, and even colored skinnies, it’s the perfect neutral for this pattern-filled fall!

5.       Essie’s Glamour Purse might be my favorite nail polish color I’ve ever owned! Not to mention, I picked it up for just $2 at my local TJMaxx.

6.       I bought two trench coats at the end of last winter on a great special! As the weather starts to cool off, I can’t wait to pair them with leggings and ballet flats, wearing the coat like a dress!

What are some of your current “in style” staples in your wardrobe?

Today’s Pickins:

1.       Stay tuned to see how my DIY of this “frocket”crew neck turns out! 

2.       Monogrammed cupcake toppers—that just happened. 

3.       Good thing my lunch was filling or this CakeBatter Puppy Chow would be sooooo tempting! 

Meteorology, Music, and Martinis

Living in Florida, I have an obligation to post about how happy I am when the weather might not actually hit 90 today. I ran out to my car around 6:30 AM to grab my tervis before work and couldn’t believe that I felt a little chilly. “But, it’s still September!” I thought to myself! That’s right, kids! It was 70 outside!

As I mentioned in a few previous posts, I spent this past weekend in Gainesville. While I don’t want to bore you all recapping my escapades, I did want to mention some songs on the awesome playlist I made for the road!

The first song reminds me of my last weekend living in Gainesville. I spent the perfect evening with the perfect person listening to John Mayer. The song Edge of Desire always takes me back to the night and puts me in the happiest of moods. Listen to it ASAP!

The second song has me soooo excited for Friday it’s not even funny! Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes is basically my life mantra. I will be changing my latitude on Friday as my sister and I head down to Key West to spend the weekend, and her 21^st, with our parents!  Here is a little Jimmy to remind you that “if we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane!”

Lastly, Big/Little pairs were decided last night and I am so excited for all of the new additions to our Martini Family, specifically the fact that I am a GGBig!! I’ve been creeping on all of the new littles and I am so in love with each of them! Can’t wait to officially meet them and welcome them into the best of all the families!

Reverse Family Tower at our "What use to be cool" social! 

There you have it, just another manic Monday! What joys are getting you through today/ this week?

Today’s Pickins:

1.       As if Jimmy didn’t already have me in the best mood for my Key West adventure, Ben and Jerry surely topped it off with this KeyLime Pie ice cream!

2.       Thinking about making these Pumpkin ChocolateChip Cookies if this weather holds up! 

3.       Need a cute, custom wreath for football season? One of my sisters is selling the cutest ones on Etsy! Check her out! 

Changing Colors

As a Florida girl, I have a hard time remembering that fall is near. It really isn’t until we have our first brisk game day in The Swamp that it really hits me that fall is here.

I’ve always hated the sudden transition from summer hues to fall hues and wish it was a bit more gradual. One of the best ways to mitigate this sudden switch is to transition slowly—and a great way to start that it with your nails!

A secret nail polish addict, I seem to change my color at least once a week and own more nail polish than I have room for. I’ve found that some of the colors I already have had great hints of some fall inspirations which are perfect for the transition!

What are some of your favorite ways to transition from summer to fall?

Today’s Pickins:

1.       Shamrock Shake copycat recipe!? Might have to break my “no sugar” rule for this! 

2.       Making a T-Shirt quilt  is a perfect winter project will all of my old Sigma Kappa tees.  

3.       Brightly colored doors are one of my favorite parts of a home, especially the bright blue! 

4.       Lilly Pulitzer’s Oar dressing room in their new Maryland store would be an awesome recreation in a nautical bathroom!